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Bartlett to Re-Engage Japanese Market

Release Date: 
Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - 17:00

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 19, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett departed the island yesterday, to attend the Tourism Expo Japan 2018 and VISIT JAPAN Travel & MICE Mart 2018, taking place in Tokyo from September 20 – 23, 2018.

The trip is being organized as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to re-engage the Japanese market, on a more sustained basis and grow visitor traffic to Jamaica.

“Two decades ago, Jamaica received upwards of 20,000 Japanese visitors per annum but that has since declined to roughly 2,000 per annum, due in part to a long economic slowdown in Japan and other factors.

Outbound connections that Jamaica has with Delta, through Naruto is significant. Delta has a number of rotations through Atlanta and they fly directly into Tokyo. That connection will help to re-engage this market,” said the Minister.

The Minister further noted that “with the world’s fourth largest economy offering up 17 million overseas travelers each every year, we want to take the opportunity to promote Jamaica as a premier vacation option for the Japanese traveler.”

Tourism Expo Japan is a premier event for travel brands serious about capturing a share of the lucrative Japanese outbound market. It is one of the largest travel events in the world and provides opportunities for travel professionals from over 130 countries to exchange travel information and conduct effective business meetings, while inspiring consumers through the power of travel.

The Japan Travel and Tourism Association (JTTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) are organizing the event, under the theme, “Managing Sustainable Tourism for Community Development.”

It will feature presentations by industry leaders such as Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council.

During his visit, the Minister will also engage in a series meetings with Japanese tourism stakeholders such as Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and members of the Japanese Government.

The Minister will be joined in Tokyo by his Executive Assistant Anna-Kay Newell. They are expected to return to the island on Sunday September 23, 2018.